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On July 11, 1938, Diana Jane was born in Lanett, Alabama, to E. Bruce Sr., and JeNelle W. Harrison. She was valedictorian of her graduating Lanett High Class, Beta Club president, and active in other groups, including the campus newspaper, and the Methodist youth group.

Roberts died on March 23, 2020.

At Birmingham-Southern College, Diana was a member and officer of Pi Beta Phi sorority and other groups. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of BSC, she went on to earn her Master’s degree from the Divinity School of Duke University. As a Certified Director of Christian Education through the years, Diana served churches in Jackson, Tennessee, Greenville, North Carolina, Knoxville, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina and Decatur, Georiga. She also was an editor of youth curriculum for the General Board of Education/Discipleship of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nashville.

In 1966, Roberts married Thomas Vernon Parker, her beloved first husband, who met an untimely death in a fatal auto accident caused by an errant driver in 1968. Vernon and Roberts were a blessing to, enriched by, and cherished by each other.

In 1980, she was again blessed to find lasting love and married William James (Jim) Roberts, her dear husband for 40 loving years, who shared so many happy times together.

An ordained United Methodist minister, Roberts was Executive Director of the Housing and Homeless Council of the North Georgia Conference of the UMC, retiring after 11 years. A bit later, she and her husband Jim went on staff at Decatur First UMC for 9 years, sharing the joy of visiting the elderly shut-ins.

Although she had no biological children, Roberts loved children of all ages. She had seven godchildren, including a special godson, Terry Gullatt, and cherished them, and her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Family was always important and special to her. Roberts loved needlework and crafts of all types, crossword puzzles and other word games, travel, and photography. Chocolate was always a favorite and she loved making her special brownies for her family and friends.

Roberts was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, T. Vernon Parker; and her brother, J. Phillip Harrison, Sr. She is survived by her husband, W. James (Jim) Roberts; her brothers E. Bruce Harrison, Jr. (Pat) and Sam D. Harrison (Hope); sisters-in-law Marian Parker Brinkley and June Harrison; nieces, Debbie Frame (Scott), Susan Harrison, Kendree Brinkley Adkins (Don), and Diana Leanne Roberts; nephews Emmett B. Harrison III (Haaken), Joe D. Harrison, John P. Harrison, Jr. (Jody), Smith Harrison, and Vernon Brinkley (Jody); her beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, and godchildren. Her friends were such a blessing to her, and she cherished each one, especially her long-time best friend, MK; the LaLa Girls, the Roomies, the Pi Phi’s, Carter L&M staff/volunteers/security, the CEF’ers, fellow ordained Deacons, and all in ministry.

A memorial service will be held later due to the virus.